"I'm sorry I have a German passport! 'But I hope to make England fans proud'... Thomas Tuchel Speaks As New Three Lions Boss.
Thomas Tuchel will take charge as the men's senior national team manager for England, the country has officially confirmed on Wednesday morning.
The former Chelsea manager hasn't had a job since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the last season, but he has a strong resume, as he won league titles in Germany and France in addition to winning Champions League in 2021 for the Blues.
When Tuchel was sacked by Todd Boehly and co in September 2022 his reputation was enhanced.
Southgate stepped down from the role after England lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain.
Tuchel will now lead England into the 2026 World Cup on North American soil.
While Lee Carsley filled in as temporary manager, a number of applicants, including Pep Guardiola, were contacted about the position.
However, Tuchel was one of 10 candidates considered to be Southgate's full-time replacement, with some English coaches considered in that pool, he only emerged as the FA's preferred appointment this week, as he reportedly meets a lot of the requirements that the interim manager listed last week.
"We ran a really clear process and spoke with approximately 10 people throughout the process," said FA chief executive Bullingham.
"Some were more up for it than others, but we are really happy with Thomas and it gives us the best chance of winning the next World Cup."
Tuchel who signed his his contract on October 8, becomes the Three Lions' third foreign coach after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.
The 51-year-old German speaking on the appointment said; "We will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud"
"I feel special to have been given the honour of leading the England team.
"I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already. To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting."
He also jokingly apologises for 'having a German passport' and assures fans he is proud to be England head coach.
"I am sorry that I have a German passport," said Tuchel in his first press conference as head coach.
"All of these supporters felt my passion for the Premier League and the country. I loved to live here.
"Hopefully I can show them [the fans] that I am proud to be the English manager and I will do everything to show respect to this job and this country."
Tuchel was asked if he will sing the English national anthem after interim boss Lee Carsley said he would not last month
"I am very emotional and I love what I am doing. I am passionate about football. This role just brought the young me alive and brought back my teenage days, to get excited for such a big task."
📩 (1) new message from Thomas Tuchel. pic.twitter.com/ADTVUHpnRN
— England (@England) October 16, 2024
Meanwhile, Lee Carsley will remain in interim charge of the senior team during the November international break for games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, before returning to his previous post as U21s manager.
Tuchel will start work on January 1, and will be assisted by one of the most promising English coach Anthony Barry, who worked with him at Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
Liverpudlian Barry first met Tuchel when the German joined Chelsea in 2021, having already been at the club working under Frank Lampard.
At Chelsea, Barry undoubtedly made an impact under Tuchel so much so that he stepped in as Chelsea caretaker boss when the German had Covid-19. Several other Championship sides considered making him their manager.
The 38-year-old then joined Tuchel's backroom staff at Bayern in April 2023. and also held assistant manager roles with the Republic of Ireland, while he was also Roberto Martinez's No 2 in the Belgium and Portugal national team set-ups.
Speaking after being appointed England assistant coach, Barry said in a statement: "For any Englishman in football, working with the national team is the pinnacle and I didn't hesitate when Thomas asked me to come and join him again.
"I know what a great place St George's Park is and how much of an advantage it gives our England teams, and the support it gives to coaches.
"This squad is very talented and have done so much to bring the country together, I look forward to meeting and working with them on this exciting project."
Tuchel said: "Working closely with Anthony as my assistant coach, we will do everything we can to make England successful and the supporters proud. I want to thank the FA, in particular Mark and John, for their trust and I am looking forward to starting our journey together."
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